78mph Limit

[Coxster]

http://cars.uk.msn.com/News/car_news_article.aspx?cp-documentid=2635312&wa=wsignin1.0

Earlier this month a government study suggested the current national speed limit be raised from 70mph to 78mph as this is the ‘point at which benefits from reduced journey times are in balance with fuel and accident costs’. But even though some boring statistician with his clever mathematical formula has worked this out, it doesn’t mean it is the best thing for you and me.

 

[richa2002]

Bit precise isn't it? Almost a rule of thumb to exceed the speed by 10MPH anyway if you're in a rush...

 

[yorkie]

It's ridiculous. What's the point in the obsession with speed, and looking at speedos?

The line "Give us what will make all our lives more efficient, safer and pleasurable - variable speeds." must be the most ridiculous thing I've ever read.

Efficient? Nope, above roughly 55mph you decrease efficiency with speed. So that's bullcrap.

Safer? Nope, safety can never increase with speed. That is totally illogical.

Pleasurable? How the hell can driving at 80 rather than 70 be more pleasurable?! Only if you're one of those petrolheads who gets a kick out of going as fast as possible for the sake of it.

Their arguments over rigidly watching the speedo are laughable, it's like they're saying it'd be a major crime to be 1mph under the limit, as if they have to be at that precise speed constantly, and their argument is that if the limit was 78 they'd constantly be ensuring that they were doing no more, but equally no less, than this. That'd be their choice. A crap choice, but their choice nevertheless. The fact they're admitting it demonstrates that they are of below average IQ and quite irresponsible, IMO.

 

[Ascot]

Birmingham to Morfan Nefyn via Dolgellau, adveraged 53 mpg, now that's efficient. Anyway about time they think about raising the limits.

 

[WhiteVanMan]

Bit precise isn't it? Almost a rule of thumb to exceed the speed by 10MPH anyway if you're in a rush...

I drive at 80mph on dual carriageways and motorways anyway, traffic, weather and road conditions pending.
Its a speed I feel comfortable at......

 

[Max]

Most people drive at 80mph on the motorway. This in turn encourages others to drive more quickly to avoid being boxed in the inside lane behind lorries. I don't think its anything to do with it being pleasureable, it feels safer keeping up with the rest of the traffic instead of having to swerve out at very low speeds to overtake HGVs, and subsequently have somebody right up the back of you. I know my mum hates this, and she travels at about 80mph generally!

Obviously you don't go in a car much Yorkie. I'm sorry but going more quickly does feel more pleasureable, and these so called 'Petrolheads' that you are talking about probably travel at more dangerous and stupid speeds such as 90-100mph and more!

Of course you have to be more careful on dual-carriageways because of the presence of more speed cameras

 

[DescendingSadly]

Pleasurable? How the hell can driving at 80 rather than 70 be more pleasurable?! Only if you're one of those petrolheads who gets a kick out of going as fast as possible for the sake of it.

same as the people who enjoy seeing a HST 'open up' at high speeds I do imagine.

 

[Nick W]

It's ridiculous. What's the point in the obsession with speed, and looking at speedos?

The line "Give us what will make all our lives more efficient, safer and pleasurable - variable speeds." must be the most ridiculous thing I've ever read.

Efficient? Nope, above roughly 55mph you decrease efficiency with speed. So that's bullcrap.

Very true, and 55mph would still be quicker than most railway routes. Though if you become bored as a result it reduces safety.

Safer? Nope, safety can never increase with speed. That is totally illogical.

There's a reason [bike] why I try to go round roundabouts fast and clear them as quickly as possible...

Pleasurable? How the hell can driving at 80 rather than 70 be more pleasurable?! Only if you're one of those petrolheads who gets a kick out of going as fast as possible for the sake of it.

Beats me

Their arguments over rigidly watching the speedo are laughable, it's like they're saying it'd be a major crime to be 1mph under the limit, as if they have to be at that precise speed constantly, and their argument is that if the limit was 78 they'd constantly be ensuring that they were doing no more, but equally no less, than this. That'd be their choice. A crap choice, but their choice nevertheless. The fact they're admitting it demonstrates that they are of below average IQ and quite irresponsible, IMO.

Don't train drivers do similar when not going slower due to slack?

I drive at 80mph on dual carriageways and motorways anyway, traffic, weather and road conditions pending.
Its a speed I feel comfortable at......

I guess 80mph, maybe around 75mph if your speedo overates the speed, is safest for you then.

Of course you have to be more careful on dual-carriageways because of the presence of more speed cameras

But you can just slow down for them and speed up, and they won't care if someone's doing 70mph in thick fog nor will they be reasonable for 80mph in clear weather. Not to mention the average speed cameras which can be tricked by chaning lane...

 

[AlexS]

I was once told by a traffic cop that you generally won't get grabbed on the motorway if you're doing less than 90 anyway.

10 mph makes a lot of distance on longer journeys - if you're on the move for 10 hours you're 100 miles ahead of someone doing the same journey 10 mph slower (obviously average speed!).

 

[The Snap]

People travel faster than the 70mph limit now, so if you increase the legal limit, people will push their luck and exceed it, like they do now...